King James Version

What Does Genesis 21:22 Mean?

Genesis 21:22 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, G...” — study this verse from Genesis chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:”

Genesis 21:22 · KJV

Context

20

And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer .

21

And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.

22

And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:

23

Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned. that thou: Heb. if thou shalt lie unto me

24

And Abraham said, I will swear.

Read Genesis 21 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unt... This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.

Central themes include God's unconditional covenant promises (land, descendants, blessing to nations), the call to faith and obedience, the testing of faith through delays and impossibilities, the contrast between divine promises and human schemes, and God's gracious persistence despite human failures. Abraham emerges as the father of faith whose trust in God's promises becomes the model for all believers (Romans 4, Galatians 3, Hebrews 11).

Theologically, these narratives establish: (1) salvation by grace through faith rather than works; (2) covenant as God's gracious initiative binding Himself to His people; (3) the necessity of patient trust when promises seem impossible; (4) the consequences of attempting to fulfill God's promises through human effort; (5) the pattern of divine testing producing mature faith. The Abraham cycle foreshadows Christ as the ultimate seed through whom blessing extends to all nations (Galatians 3:16).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal narratives (Genesis 12-50) reflect the cultural, social, and legal customs of the ancient Near East during the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1500 BCE). Archaeological discoveries including the Mari tablets, Nuzi tablets, and Egyptian records confirm many details: nomadic pastoralism, covenant-making ceremonies, marriage customs, property laws, and international travel patterns described in Genesis.

The cultural practices reflected include: treaty/covenant forms (Genesis 15), bride-price customs (Genesis 24, 29), inheritance laws favoring firstborn sons (Genesis 25, 27), adoption practices (Genesis 15, 30), levirate-type arrangements (Genesis 38), and Egyptian administrative systems (Genesis 41, 47). These parallels confirm Genesis's historical reliability while showing how God worked within ancient cultural frameworks to accomplish His purposes.

For later Israelites, these narratives established their identity as Abraham's descendants, explained their claim to Canaan, justified their possession of Joseph's bones (Exodus 13:19), and provided models of faith despite imperfection. The patriarchs' failures and God's faithfulness encouraged Israel that covenant relationship depended on God's grace rather than human merit. The movement from Mesopotamia to Canaan to Egypt set the stage for the Exodus and conquest narratives.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does this passage reveal about God's sovereignty and human responsibility?
  2. What obstacles prevent us from living out the truths presented in this verse?
  3. What connections can we trace from this verse to Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַֽיְהִי֙1 of 17
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בָּעֵ֣ת2 of 17

“And it came to pass at that time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִ֔וא3 of 17
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לֵאמֹ֑ר4 of 17

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲבִימֶ֗לֶךְ5 of 17

“that Abimelech”

H40

abimelek, the name of two philistine kings and of two israelites

וּפִיכֹל֙6 of 17

“and Phichol”

H6369

phichol (phicol), a philistine, possibly a title or namesake

שַׂר7 of 17

“the chief captain”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

צְבָא֔וֹ8 of 17

“of his host”

H6635

a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci

אֶל9 of 17
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַבְרָהָ֖ם10 of 17

“unto Abraham”

H85

abraham, the later name of abram

לֵאמֹ֑ר11 of 17

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֱלֹהִ֣ים12 of 17

“God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עִמְּךָ֔13 of 17
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

בְּכֹ֥ל14 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֲשֶׁר15 of 17
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

אַתָּ֖ה16 of 17
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

עֹשֶֽׂה׃17 of 17

“is with thee in all that thou doest”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Genesis. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Genesis 21:22 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Genesis 21:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 3:7Genesis 26:28Genesis 26:26Genesis 20:2Romans 8:31Isaiah 8:10

Test Your Knowledge

Genesis 21 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterGenesis Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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